Ericacea extracts for combating skin aging

ABSTRACT

Extracts of plants of the Ericacea family are administered to individuals to combat the signs of aging of the skin, e.g., wrinkles and fine lines, for example by inhibiting the expression of metalloproteases, by inhibiting collagen degradation, or by inhibiting UV-induced skin degradation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIORITY APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.09/970,797, filed Oct. 5, 2001 which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of FR-00/12737, filed Oct. 5, 2000, hereby expressly incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the administration of at least oneextract of at least one plant of the Ericacea family, or compositioncomprised thereof, for preventively and/or curatively treating the signsof aging of the skin.

This invention especially relates to the administration of such extractsor compositions to inhibit the degradation of the skin and/or mucousmembranes by inhibiting collagenases. Too, the present invention relatesto a cosmetic regime/regimen for combating aging of the skin and/ormucous membranes.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Human skin consists of two layers or compartments, namely, a surfacelayer or compartment, the epidermis, and a deep compartment, the dermis.

Natural human epidermis is principally composed of three types of cells:keratinocytes, which form the great majority, melanocytes and Langerhanscells. Each of these cell types contributes, by virtue of its intrinsicfunctions, towards the essential role played in the body by the skin.

The dermis imparts to the epidermis a solid support. It is also thenourishing factor of the epidermis. It consists mainly of fibroblastsand of an extracellular matrix which is itself composed mainly ofcollagen, elastin and a substance known as ground substance, thesecomponents being synthesized by the fibroblasts. Leukocytes, mastocytesand tissue macrophages are also present therein. It also contains bloodvessels and nerve fibers. In normal skin, namely, non-pathological andunscarred skin, the fibroblasts are in the quiescent state, i.e.,non-proliferative, metabolically relatively inactive, and immobile.

These collagen fibers provide the dermis with its firmness. Collagenfibers consist of fibrils sealed together, thus forming more than 10different types of structures. The firmness of the dermis is principallydue to the entanglement of the collagen fibers packed together in alldirections. The collagen fibers contribute to the elasticity andtonicity of the skin and/or mucous membranes.

The collagen fibers are under constant renewal, but this renewaldecreases with age, leading to thinning of the dermis. This thinning ofthe dermis is also due to pathological causes such as, for example, thehypersecretion of corticoid hormones, certain pathologies or vitamindeficiencies (which is the case for vitamin C in scurvy). It is alsoaccepted that extrinsic factors such as ultraviolet rays, tobacco orcertain treatments (glucocorticoids, vitamin D and derivatives, forexample) also have an effect on the skin and its collagen content.

However, various factors result in the degradation of collagen, with allof the consequences which may be envisaged on the structure and/orfirmness of the skin and/or mucous membranes.

Albeit very strong, collagen fibers are sensitive to certain enzymesknown as collagenases. A degradation of collagen fibers promotes thedevelopment of flaccid and wrinkled skin, which individuals, preferringthe appearance of smooth and taut skin, have universally sought tocombat.

Collagenases are part of a family of enzymes designated metalloproteases(MMPs) which are themselves members of a family of proteolytic enzymes(endoproteases) which contain a zinc atom coordinated to 3 cysteineresidues and one methionine residue at their active site and whichdegrade the macromolecular components of the extracellular matrix and ofthe basal layers at neutral pH (collagen, elastin, etc.). These enzymes,which are very widespread in nature, are present, but poorly expressedin normal physiological phenomena such as the growth of organs and therenewal of tissues.

However, their overexpression in man and their activation are linked tomany processes, sometimes pathological, which involve the destructionand remodelling of the matrix. This results in either an uncontrolledresorption of extracellular matrix or, conversely, the installation of astate of fibrosis.

The metalloprotease family consists of several well-defined groups basedon their resemblances in terms of structure and substrate specificity(see Woessner J. F., Faseb Journal, vol. 5, 2145 (1991)). Among thesegroups, exemplary are the collagenases for degrading fibrillar collagens(MMP-1 or interstitial collagenase, MMP-8 or neutrophil collagenase andMMP-13 or collagenase 3), gelatinases which degrade type IV collagen orany form of denatured collagen (MMP-2 or gelatinase A (72 kDa), MMP-9 orgelatinase B (92 kDa), stromelysins (MMP-3) whose broad spectrum ofactivity addresses the proteins of the extracellular matrix such asglycoproteins (fibronectin, laminin), proteoglycans, etc., or,alternatively, membrane metalloproteases.

Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, particularly to ultravioletrays of A and/or B type, has the effect of stimulating the expression ofcollagenases, particularly of MMP-1. This is one of the components ofphotoinduced aging of the skin.

Moreover, at menopause the principal changes concerning the dermis are adecrease in collagen content and in the thickness of the dermis. Inmenopausal women, this results in thinning of the skin and/or mucousmembranes. Women then experience a sensation of “dry skin” or of tautskin and there is an increase in surface wrinkles and fine lines. Theskin presents a rough aspect when touched. Finally, the skin is lesssupple.

The importance of collagen in the structure of tissues, particularly theskin and/or mucous membranes, and the importance of combating itsdegradation in order thus to combat aging, whether chronobiological orphotoinduced aging and the consequences thereof, the thinning of thedermis and/or the degradation of collagen fibers which result in thedevelopment of flaccid and wrinkled skin, may thus be appreciated fromthe hereinabove description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A major object of the present invention is the provision of bioaffectingactive agents which elicit an inhibitory effect on collagenases and, tothe extent possible, no appreciable side effects.

Thus, it has now surprisingly and unexpectedly been determined thatextracts of at least one plant from the Ericacea family exhibitinhibitory activity on collagenase activity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF BEST MODE AND SPECIFIC/PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OFTHE INVENTION

More particularly according to the present invention, the inhibitoryactivity on the activity of collagenases by an extract of at least oneplant from the Ericacea family was to date unknown.

Thus, the present invention features the administration of at least oneextract of at least one plant from the Ericacea family, or compositioncomprised thereof, the extract or the composition being suited forpreventively and/or curatively treating the signs of aging of the skin.

By the expression “signs of aging of the skin” is intended any change inthe external appearance of the skin due to aging, whether this ischronobiological and/or photoinduced, such as, for example, wrinkles andfine lines, withered skin, flaccid skin, thinned skin, and skin lackingelasticity and/or tonus, and also any internal change in the skin whichis not systematically reflected by a changed external appearance, suchas, for example, any internal degradation of the skin, particularly ofcollagen, following exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

This invention also features administration of at least one extract ofat least one plant from the Ericacea family, or composition comprisedthereof, to inhibit expression of proteases of the extracellular matrix,particularly metalloprotease and even more particularly of type-1metalloprotease.

This invention also features administration of at least one extract ofat least one plant from the Ericacea family, or composition comprisedthereof, to treat menopause-related skin complaints/afflictions.

Too, the present invention features administration of at least oneextract of at least one plant from the Ericacea family, or compositioncomprised thereof, to combat skin wrinkles and fine lines.

This invention also features administration of at least one extract ofat least one plant from the Ericacea family, or composition comprisedthereof, to combat withered skin.

This invention also features administration of at least one extract ofat least one plant from the Ericacea family, or composition comprisedthereof, to combat flaccid skin.

This invention also features administration of at least one extract ofat least one plant from the Ericacea family, or composition comprisedthereof, to combat thinned skin.

And the present invention also features administration of at least oneextract of at least one plant from the Ericacea family, or compositioncomprised thereof, to combat a lack of skin elasticity and/or tonus(skin tone).

The Ericacea family comprises about one hundred genera, including, forexample, the genera Erica, Vaccinium, Calluna, Cassiope andRhododendron.

Thus, the Ericacea extract of the invention is an extract separated frommaterial obtained from at least one plant belonging to a genus selectedfrom among the genera Erica, Vaccinium, Calluna, Cassiope andRhododendron.

Preferably according to the invention, the plant belongs to the genusVaccinium.

The genus Vaccinium comprises more than 450 species, including thespecies Vaccinium myrtillus, Vaccinium angustifollium, Vacciniumarboreum, Vaccinium arctostaphylos, Vaccinium caespitosum, Vacciniumcorymbosum, Vaccinium hirsutu, Vaccinium macrocarpum, Vaccinium ovatum,Vaccinium oxycoccos, Vaccinium stamineum, Vaccinium uliginosum,Vaccinium urceolatum and Vaccinium vitis-idaea.

Thus, the plant extract of the Vaccinium genus of the invention is anextract prepared from material obtained from at least one plantbelonging to a species selected from among the species Vacciniummyrtillus, Vaccinium angustifollium, Vaccinium arboreum, Vacciniumarctostaphylos, Vaccinium caespitosum, Vaccinium corymbosum, Vacciniumhirsutum, Vaccinium macrocarpum, Vaccinium ovatum, Vaccinium oxycoccos,Vaccinium stamineum, Vaccinium uliginosum, Vaccinium urceolatum andVaccinium vitis-idaea.

Preferably, the plant belongs to the species Vaccinium angustifollium.

The extract of at least one plant from the Ericacea family may be anyextract separated from any plant material obtained from at least oneplant of the Ericacea family.

Accordingly, the extract of at least one plant from the Ericacea familywhich is administered according to the invention may be obtained fromplant material obtained from a whole plant or from a plant part, forexample the leaves, the stems, the flowers, the petals, the fruits, theroots or differentiated cells.

By the expression “differentiated plant cells” is intended any plantcell not exhibiting any of the characteristics of a particularspecialization, which is capable of surviving by itself rather thanbeing dependent on other cells. These undifferentiated plant cells arepotentially capable, under the influence of induction, of anydifferentiation in accordance with their genome.

Depending on the culture method selected, and in particular depending onthe culture medium selected, it is possible to obtain, from the sameexplant, undifferentiated plant cells with various characteristics.

According to the present invention, the fruits are the preferred.

The extract of at least one plant from the Ericacea family may be anyextract prepared from any plant material obtained from at least oneplant of the Ericacea family cultured in vivo or obtained via in vitroculturing.

By the expression “in vivo culturing” is intended any culturing ofconventional type, namely, in the soil, in the open air or in agreenhouse, or, alternatively, out of the soil.

By the expression “in vitro culturing” is intended the combination oftechniques known to this art which makes it possible to artificiallyobtain a plant or a part of a plant. The selection pressure exerted bythe physicochemical conditions during the growth of plant cells in vitromakes it possible to obtain a standardized plant material which isavailable throughout the year, in contrast with plants cultivated invivo.

According to the invention, a plant obtained via in vivo culturing ispreferred.

Any extraction technique known to this art may be employed to preparethe extract contained in the compositions according to the invention.

Particularly exemplary are aqueous and alcoholic extracts, or organicsolvent extracts.

By the expression “aqueous solvent” is intended any solvent consistingtotally or partially of water. Thus exemplary are water itself,aqueous/alcoholic solvents in any proportion, or solvents comprisingwater and a compound such as propylene glycol, in any proportion.

Among the alcoholic solvents, particularly exemplary is ethanol.

An extract prepared via the method described in French patentapplication No. 95/02379 may also be used. This application is assignedto the assignee hereof and is hereby expressly incorporated byreference.

Thus, in a first step, the plant material is ground in a cold aqueoussolution. In a second step, the particles in suspension are removed fromthe aqueous solution obtained from the first step, and, in a third step,the aqueous solution obtained from the second step is sterilized. Thisaqueous solution corresponds to the extract.

Moreover, the first step may advantageously be replaced with anoperation of simple freezing of the plant tissues (for example at −20°C.), followed by an aqueous extraction repeating the second and thirdsteps described above.

Irrespective of the preparation technique according to the invention,subsequent steps for promoting the storage and/or stabilization may beincluded without, however, modifying the actual nature of the extract.Thus, for example, the extract obtained may be freeze-dried by anyconventional freeze-drying method. A powder is thus obtained which canbe used directly, or can be mixed in a suitable solvent before use.

According to the invention, an aqueous extract is preferably employed,and, even more preferably, an extract prepared with a solvent composedof water and propylene glycol, such as, for example, Herbasol® marketedby the company COSMETHOCHEM's.

According to the invention, the extract of at least one plant from theEricacea family may be used alone, or in a mixture of any nature and maybe of natural or synthetic origin.

The extract may by itself constitute the active principle for thecompositions of the invention.

In particular, the extract of at least one plant from the Ericaceafamily or composition comprised thereof, is administered by topicalapplication onto the skin and/or the nails and/or the hair.

The amount of extract which is administered according to the inventionobviously depends on the desired effect and may thus vary over a widerange.

To provide an order of magnitude, the extract may be administered inpure form in an amount representing from 0.00001% to 20% relative to thetotal weight of the composition, and preferably in an amountrepresenting from 0.0001% to 10% relative to the total weight of thecomposition.

The compositions of the invention may be formulated in anypharmaceutical form imaginable, suitable not only for topicalapplication onto the skin and/or mucous membranes and/or the hair, butalso for oral administration.

Preferentially, the composition of the invention are formulated for oraladministration.

The compositions of the invention may be cosmetic or dermatologicalcompositions. Preferably, according to the invention, the compositionsare cosmetic compositions. The composition is a cosmetic compositionsince it is intended to improve the general appearance of the skin ofthe individual to whom it is administered.

Most preferably, the compositions of the invention are cosmeticcompositions formulated for oral administration.

For oral administration, the compositions of the invention may be in anysuitable form, particularly in the form of a drinkable solution, atablet, a gel capsule, a wafer capsule, or, alternatively, a nutritionalfood or a nutritional supplement.

Such compositions also comprise at least one suitable excipient for oraladministration.

For administration via topical application onto the skin, hair and/ormucous membranes, the compositions according to the invention obviouslycomprise a cosmetically acceptable support (vehicle, diluent orcarrier), namely, a support which is compatible with the skin, mucousmembranes, the nails or the hair, and may be in any pharmaceutical formnormally employed for topical application, in particular in the form ofan aqueous, aqueous/alcoholic or oily solution, an oil-in-water orwater-in-oil or multiple emulsion, an aqueous or oily gel, an anhydrousliquid, pasty or solid product, a dispersion of oil in an aqueous phasewith the aid of spherules, these spherules optionally being polymernanoparticles such as nanospheres and nanocapsules, or, preferably,lipid vesicles of ionic and/or nonionic type.

This compositions may be more or less fluid and may present theappearance of a white or colored cream, an ointment, a milk, a lotion, aserum, a paste or a mousse. It may optionally be applied to the skin inthe form of an aerosol. It may also be in solid form, for example in theform of a stick. It may be used as a care product, as a cleansingproduct, as a makeup product or as a simple deodorant product.

In known fashion, the compositions of the invention may containadditives and adjuvants that are conventional in cosmetics anddermatology, such as hydrophilic or lipophilic gelling agents,hydrophilic or lipophilic bioaffecting active agents, preservatives,antioxidants, solvents, fragrances, fillers, UV-screening agents,pigments, colorants, chelating agents, odor absorbers and dyestuffs. Theamounts of these various additives and adjuvants are thoseconventionally employed in the fields under consideration, and range,for example, from 0.01% to 20% relative to the total weight of thecomposition. Depending on their nature, these additives and adjuvantsmay be introduced into the fatty phase, into the aqueous phase, intolipid vesicles and/or into nanoparticles.

When the composition of the invention is an emulsion, the proportion ofthe fatty phase may range from 5% to 80% by weight and preferably from5% to 50% relative to the total weight of the composition. The oils,emulsifiers and co-emulsifiers formulated into the composition inemulsion form are selected among those conventionally used in the fieldunder consideration. The emulsifier and co-emulsifier are typicallypresent in the composition in a proportion ranging from 0.3% to 30% byweight and preferably from 0.5% to 20% relative to the total weight ofthe composition.

Exemplary oils according to the invention include the mineral oils, oilsof plant origin (apricot oil or sunflower oil), oils of animal origin,synthetic oils, silicone oils and fluoro oils (perfluoropolyethers).Fatty alcohols (cetyl alcohol), fatty acids and waxes (beeswax) are alsoexemplary fatty substances.

Exemplary emulsifiers and coemulsifiers according to the invention,include fatty acid esters of polyethylene glycol, such as PEG-40stearate and PEG-100 stearate, and fatty acid esters of polyols, such asglyceryl stearate and sorbitan tristearate.

And exemplary hydrophilic gelling agents include, in particular,carboxyvinyl polymers (carbomer), acrylic copolymers such asacrylate/alkylacrylate copolymers, polyacrylamides, polysaccharides,natural gums and clays. Exemplary lipophilic gelling agents includemodified clays, for instance bentones, metal salts of fatty acids,hydrophobic silica and polyethylenes.

The present invention also features a cosmetic regime or regimen fortreating the skin of an individual subject in need of such treatment andwhich is intended to stimulate collagen synthesis and/or combatage-related and/or menopause-related skin conditions or afflictionsand/or to combat thinning of the dermis and/or to combat the developmentof flaccid and/or wrinkled skin, wherein a cosmetic compositioncomprising at least one extract of at least one plant of the Ericaceafamily is topically applied onto the skin, onto the hair and/or ontomucous membranes, or is ingested.

The regime/regimen of the invention is a cosmetic process for improvingthe aesthetic appearance of the individual.

The cosmetic regime/regimen of the invention may be carried out, inparticular, by administering the cosmetic compositions as describedabove, according to the usual techniques for administering thesecompositions. For example: application of creams, gels, sera, lotions,milks, shampoos or antisun/sunscreen compositions onto the skin or ontothe hair, or, alternatively, application of toothpaste to the gums and,preferably, by oral administration of a drinkable solution, a tablet, agel capsule, or a wafer capsule or a nutritional food or a nutritionalsupplement.

In order to further illustrate the present invention and the advantagesthereof, the following specific examples are given, it being understoodthat same are intended only as illustrative and in nowise limitative.

In said examples to follow, all parts and percentages are given byweight, unless otherwise indicated.

EXAMPLE 1

Evaluation of the activity of at least one extract of at least one plantfrom the Ericacea family on interstitial collagenases:

The effect of an extract of at least one plant from the Ericacea familyon the production of interstitial collagenase was evaluated in a modelof culture of A2058 cells (obtained from human melanomas: Templeton N.S. et al. 1990; Cancer Res., 50: 5431-5431).

The test extract was that marketed by the company COSMETOCHEM's(Germany), under the trademark Herbasol®.

The A2058 cells were incubated in a DMEM medium containing amino acidsat a concentration of 2 mM, sodium pyruvate at a concentration of 1 mMand 10% calf serum. They were then cultured at a density of 50,000 cellsper well in 24-well multiwell plates.

Twenty four hours after placing in culture, the cells were contactedwith an extract of at least one plant from the Ericacea family. Theproduction of interstitial collagenase was evaluated 48 hours later inthe culture medium. This was performed using an ELISA kit (Biotrackhuman MMP1; Amersham).

The extract of at least one plant from the Ericacea family was tested atconcentrations of 0.005%, 0.05% and 0.5%.

The results, expressed as percentages, represent the decrease in theproduction of interstitial collagenase relative to the control, namely,relative to a culturing carried out under the same conditions in theabsence of a plant from the Ericacea family at the concentrationsindicated.

These results are reported in the following Table:

TABLE Herbasol ® 0.05% 0.5%  5% % of inhibition   0%   7% 53%

EXAMPLES 2-11

The following Examples illustrate specific formulations according to theinvention. These compositions were formulated by simple intimateadmixing of the various components thereof.

EXAMPLE 2 Composition 1 Soft Capsules

Excipients: Soybean oil 40 mg Wheatgerm oil 85 mg Soya lecithins 25 mgVitamin: Natural tocopherols 3 mg Components: Herbasol ® (extract ofVaccinium angustifollium) 50 mg

EXAMPLE 3 Composition 2 Shampoo

Herbasol ® (extract of Vaccinium angustifollium) 5.00%Hydroxypropylcellulose (Klucel H ® marketed by 1.00% Hercules) Fragrance0.50% Preservative 0.30% Water qs 100.00%

EXAMPLE 4 Composition 3 Facial Care Cream (Oil-in-Water Emulsion)

Herbasol ® (extract of Vaccinium angustifollium) 2.50% Glyceryl stearate2.00% Polysorbate 60 (Tween 60 ® marketed by IC) 1.00% Stearic acid1.40% Triethanolamine 0.70% Carbomer 0.40% Liquid fraction of karitebutter 12.00% Perhydrosqualene 12.00% Antioxidant 0.05% Fragrance 0.50%Preservative 0.30% Water qs 100.00%

EXAMPLE 5 Composition 4 Gel for the Skin

Herbasol ® (extract of Vaccinium angustifollium) 1.00%All-trans-retinoic acid 0.05% Hydroxypropylcellulose (Klucel H ®marketed by 1.00% Hercules) Antioxidant 0.05% Isopropanol 40.00%Preservative 0.30% Water qs 100.00%

EXAMPLE 6 Composition 5 Facial Care Gel

Herbasol ® (extract of Vaccinium angustifollium) 3.00%Hydroxypropylcellulose (Klucel H ® marketed by 1.00% Hercules)Antioxidant 0.05% Isopropanol 40.00% Preservative 0.30% Water qs 100.00%

EXAMPLE 7 Composition 6 Gel

Herbasol ® (extract of Vaccinium angustifollium) 5.00%Hydroxypropylcellulose (Klucel H ® marketed by 1.00% Hercules)Antioxidant 0.05% Lidocaine hydrochloride 2.00% Isopropanol 40.00%Preservative 0.30% Water qs 100.00%

EXAMPLE 8 Composition 7 Cream for Treating Solar Erythema (Oil-in-WaterEmulsion)

Herbasol ® (extract of Vaccinium angustifollium) 0.50% Glyceryl stearate2.00% Polysorbate 60 (Tween 60 ® marketed by ICI) 1.00% Stearic acid1.40% Glycyrrhetinic acid 2.00% Triethanolamine 0.70% Carbomer 0.40%Liquid fraction of karite butter 12.00% Sunflower oil 10.00% Antioxidant0.05% Fragrance 0.50% Preservative 0.30% Water qs 100.00%

EXAMPLE 9 Composition 8 Facial Anti-Wrinkle Cream (Oil-in-WaterEmulsion)

Herbasol ® (extract of Vaccinium angustifollium) 1.50% Glyceryl stearate2.00% Polysorbate 60 (Tween 60 ® marketed by ICI) 1.00% Stearic acid1.40% 5-n-Octanoylsalicylic acid 0.50% Triethanolamine 0.70% Carbomer0.40% Liquid fraction of karite butter 12.00% Perhydrosqualene 12.00%Antioxidant 0.05% Fragrance 0.50% Preservative 0.30% Water qs 100.00%

EXAMPLE 10 Composition 9 Lotion

Herbasol ® (extract of Vaccinium angustifollium) 0.75% Glycolic acid50.00%  Hydroxypropylcellulose (Klucel H ® marketed by 0.05% Hercules)Preservative 0.30% NaOH qs pH = 2.8 Ethanol qs 100.00%   

EXAMPLE 11 Composition 10 Facial Cleansing Lotion

Herbasol ® (extract of Vaccinium angustifollium) 0.10% Antioxidant 0.05%Isopropanol 40.00% Preservative 0.30% Water qs 100.00%

While the invention has been described in terms of various specific andpreferred embodiments, the skilled artisan will appreciate that variousmodifications, substitutions, omissions, and changes may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit thereof. Accordingly, it is intended that thescope of the present invention be limited solely by the scope of thefollowing claims, including equivalents thereof.

1. A regime or regimen for combating and/or treating menopause-relatedskin conditions/afflictions, comprising administering to an individualin need of such treatment, a thus-effective amount of at least oneextract of at least one plant of the Ericacea family.
 2. A regime orregimen for combating and/or treating UV-induced internal degradation ofthe skin, comprising administering to an individual in need of suchtreatment, a thus-effective amount of at least one extract of at leastone plant of the Ericacea family.
 3. A regime or regimen for combatingand/or treating withered skin, flaccid skin, thinned skin or skin with alack of elasticity and/or skin tone, comprising administering to anindividual in need of such treatment, a thus-effective amount of atleast one extract of at least one plant of the Ericacea family.
 4. Atopically applicable composition for treating the signs of aging of theskin and/or mucous membranes, comprising a thus-effective amount of atleast one extract of at least one plant of the Ericacea family,formulated into a topically applicable, cosmetically/dermatologicallyacceptable vehicle, diluent or carrier therefor.
 5. The topicallyapplicable composition as defined by claim 4, formulated as a cream,ointment, milk, lotion, serum, paste, mousse, makeup, aerosol,deodorant, shampoo, sunscreen, toothpaste, or a solid or stick.
 6. Anorally ingestible composition for treating the signs of aging of theskin and/or mucous membranes, comprising a thus-effective amount of atleast one extract of at least one plant of the Ericacea family,formulated into an orally ingestible, cosmetically/dermatologicallyacceptable vehicle, diluent or carrier therefor.
 7. The orallyingestible composition as defined by claim 6, formulated as a drinkablesolution, tablet, capsule, gel, wafer, food, or nutritional supplement.